Court told of 'adoption by Maori' in work permit scam

A judge yesterday reserved his decision on whether Maori activist John Hikuwai sold "Government of Aotearoa" work permits to two Thai nationals.

In proceedings at the Auckland District Court this week and before Christmas, Judge Lindsay Moore was told of Hikuwai's alleged involvement in the scam.

Hikuwai, aged 52, described as an immigration consultant of Wainui Bay, in Northland, is charged with selling Thaen Charoenphan and his wife, Nongnuch Ruengsakul, false work permits for $500 in 2002.

He is also charged with breaches of the immigration legislation, including submitting refugee application forms that were allegedly altered after being signed by the applicants.

Hikuwai first came to public attention in the late 1990s when he challenged fishing regulations under the flag of the Confederation of Chiefs of the United Tribes of Aotearoa.

The judge - sitting without a jury - heard the couple were told that Queen Elizabeth had given Maori people the power to make decisions and issue licences.

Hikuwai allegedly advised the couple, who had twice failed to get refugee status, that their case would be helped if they were adopted by Maori.

The couple were said to have paid around $3000 for temporary custody orders issued by the Maori Government.

This week, Nongnuch Ruengsakul said she and her husband met Hikuwai through a Thai temple in Auckland.

She described going through a Maori adoption ceremony in Northland and paying for the temporary custody order, or adoption order, and $500 for work permits which she believed allowed them to work in New Zealand.

Hikuwai's lawyer, Lester Cordwell, said the couple's lack of reliability and credibility put the Crown case in doubt.

Mr Cordwell said they could not be believed and the factual basis for the charges had not been made out.

Department of Labour prosecutor Shona Carr said the couple were believable.

- NZPA